11th September 2016 - LÉ James Joyce Rescues 108* Migrants.

Earlier today, following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre, the LÉ James Joyce successfully located and rescued a total of 108* migrants from a rubber vessel during a search and rescue operation conducted 35 Nautical Miles NW of Tripoli.

The rescue operation commenced at 8.15am. All 108* migrants were taken on board LÉ James Joyce, where they received food, water and medical treatment where required.

The LÉ James Joyce commenced the transfer of the rescued migrants to an Italian Coast Guard vessel at 11.02am and has now been released to carry out further search and rescue operations if required.

*Figures for today's operation are provisional until confirmed by the Italian authorities.

The LÉ James Joyce departed Naval Service Headquarters in Haulbowline, Cork to assist the Italian Authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean on the 2nd of May. The ship’s search and rescue operations began on 8 Iúil 2016.

The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations.